Someone in my family had surgery last week, and they removed a piece of bone. He asked if he could have it?

Someone in my family had surgery last week, and they removed a piece of bone. He asked if he could have it... ...and they said no. Does anyone know why they would say that, and if they were within their rights to do so?

It seems like it belongs to my husband - and he should have been allowed to keep it. What do you think? Asked by @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago Similar questions: family surgery week removed piece bone asked Health > Surgery.

Similar questions: family surgery week removed piece bone asked.

Fear of infection. It could have a bacteria or virus or whatnot on it and bone is difficult to impossible to sterilize. I was allowed to keep the hardware I used to have in my leg because it's steel.

Very helpful, DPD! I bet you're right. They put a metal plate and screws in where they repaired the bone.

@Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

The doctor must have had a Napolean complex. He didn't want to pull the bone apart.

Mwuahahahaha! Good one! @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

I really cannot think of any reason why they would not allow him to keep the bone. Heck, even the dentist will let you keep a tooth. What's the difference?

I don't know. I think he'll ask his doctor at the follow up appointment, but I thought someone here might know. @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

I can think of several more unless the portion of bone was bit out by a bear or shark. When they are finished with all of the pathology they may be willing to give him a piece of it or a slide. You may always ask.

That's helpful, usmc! Thank you! @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

That's weird. When I had my wisdom teeth out they let me have 'em.

I know. I think he just wanted to see it, and maybe keep it in a jar on his desk, or something. A souvenir!

@Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

Although..I now remember when I ruptured my spleen I wanted to take that home (my dad had a collection of items in formaldehyde from his pre med days) and they wouldn't let me.

I have to ask my son that works at a law firm that handles malpractice lawsuits. If he has a chance to find out I'll let you know.

Unless they took out a wrong bone by mistake..............

Thanks, I'd appreciate that! @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

This is what son found out asking the lawyer that handles all the malpractice lawsuits against the doctors. My son is his legal assistant. Lawyer said that the bone extracted no longer belongs to the patient, it is a Pathology specimen and goes into the doctor's archives, gets a number and stays with the written report.It is possible that a disease can be tracked back to it or it might carry some contagious virus.

Has to be stored properly. Cannot be treated like a tooth. Why?

Well, let's say your hubby is in possession of the bone for few years and one day decides to toss it. If found by someone else it can be especulated that it is part of a ditched body and part of a crime that has been committed. I think it makes sense.

What do you think? .

Totally makes sense! Thanks for finding out for me. Very interesting.

@Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

Maybe they think you will take the bone to another doctor and get it examined. Maybe they threw it out already.

You are probably right! Thanks! @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

They sent my husband home with a huge gallstone in a jar. I wonder if they would worry about infection from the bone or the nurse just couldn't be bothered.

Could be one or the other... @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

It's biohazardous material - and probably sent to pathology for studies. It cannot typically leave the hospital. Why would he want it anyway?

Alissa, RN .

For a souvenir. To see what they took out of him. Curiosity.

Wouldn't you want to see a part of you that was removed? I usually ask to see the photos/dvd. Thanks for the explanation!

@Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

I remember people keeping their kidney stones in a jar to show their family. Bullets from war wounds, all sorts of stuff. If they want it, doesn't it belong to them?

See Violet's answer. I think it makes a lot of sense. @Goldie_Bah_Humbug 8 months ago .

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I have broken my talus bone. Surgery is yet to be discussed. Will I ever walk again and if so normally?

Pls advice.

I took airborne for a week and I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 days will I have to reschedule.

I'm having my staples removed after open abdominal aneurysm surgery do they hurt when removed.

I need to have a hook removed out of the bone in my shoulder. I also need to have Stenosis surgery in my back. I do not.

A female relative of mine just had open heart surgery. She asked me (prior to the surgery) if I would handle her.

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